Heather & Charlie decided to whisk away and celebrate their marriage with their closest friends and family on the beautiful beaches of Playa del Carmen, Mexico, at Sandos Playacar Resort. Their day was absolutely perfect and it was so fun to get away from the harsh Minnesota winter and enjoy a few days of idyllic weather. I loved getting to know not only Heather & Charlie, but their friends and family. Destination weddings are special because I get to spend an extended amount of time with my clients and I enjoy it so much! Thanks to everyone for being so welcoming and making me feel like part of the group. I wanted to share just a few of my favorites from this meaningful wedding day. I especially loved Heather & Charlie’s wedding ceremony, as they incorporated their guests with special gifts and readings. Charlie also surprised Heather with a touching rendition of “You and I” by Ingrid Michaelson, sang by a friend. Charlie orchestrated all the guests joining in for the last verse, and it was such a great moment. I am actually recently obsessed with their entire wedding soundtrack- see below!

Happy Valentine’s Day!! I’m so excited to share a small snippet from this engagement session! We began the day at my studio in Northeast Minneapolis, with the future bride and groom and their adorable pup, Addison! It’s no secret that I love dogs, and I was completely smitten with little Miss Addy! Chelsea & Brian are full of joy too! They are so sweet together and I love the way they laugh and joke! I can’t wait for your big day, you two!!“Whoever said diamonds are a girl’s best friend, never had a dog.”

What a wonderful way to start 2014! Margo and Duncan followed their hearts and eloped to New Orleans. They wanted a special day in a beautiful city to celebrate their commitment. They altered their original wedding plans and decided they couldn’t wait until May to be husband and wife. Their whole day I could feel the excitement! After their intimate ceremony in New Orleans’s City Park with their witnesses, Margo’s sister and her long time boyfriend, by their sides, we explored the city- I could’ve photographed for days- such beauty around every single corner. Thanks to the newlyweds for inviting me along to capture their intimate day.

2013. If I could only use one word to summarize the year, it would be grateful. I am so grateful to my husband, my family, my friends, my team, and my clients who support my business. My little dream that turned into an immensely satisfying, fulfilling career. I feel so grateful for the trust my clients place in me. For the invitation to be a part of such a joyous day in their lives. It’s a gift. I feel very lucky.

2013 was also a challenging year. Personally I faced a loss that still hurts. But, it brought two new joys into my life. I may have worked a bit too much, and neglected my husband at times! I’m continuously working on finding balance in my life. I road tripped through the deserts of California, journeyed to Italy (for an incredible wedding), embraced my muffin top (!!!) in Montreal, took my first big solo trip (not counting studying abroad in college), made an emergency trip to NYC for Christmas (to have dental work done, not fun!), and explored a few other little places. I photographed weddings in Minneapolis, Chicago, New York, Capri, and lots of small towns, and woodsy, up-north destinations in between. I had a blast with my team. They make road trips and plane rides way more fun. Whitney, Mandi, Jesi (and Jill, even though you’re not around as much anymore!)- you’re the best!!

I wanted to share a few images from all the sweet couples we had the privilege of photographing this year. Heart = full. Love to you all!!